The Use of Antimicrobials for Infection Prophylaxis

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There are some instances where the use of prophylactic antibiotics is well established. However, this often consumes a disproportionate amount of all antibiotics used in the hospital setting and consideration to their appropriate use must be given. Prophylactic antibiotic use must be within accepted principles and guidelines. 

General Recommendations:

• use the appropriate medicine (see below)
• give as a single dose where possible
• repeat when the procedure lasts longer than 3-4 hours
• give intravenously 10-15 minutes before the incision, or orally 1-2 hours before the incision. 

Specific indications:

Surgical prophylaxis 

NB: There is need for the recommendations to be guided by sensitivity patterns. It is important to establish a Healthcare Associated INfection Surveillance system for monitoring of sensitivity or resistance patterns.